Beaulieu steps down from School Board

By John Nolan

jnolan@fosters.com

fosters.com

By John Nolan

jnolan@fosters.com

Posted Feb. 21, 2013 at 3:15 AM

By John Nolan

jnolan@fosters.com

Posted Feb. 21, 2013 at 3:15 AM

ROCHESTER — Ward 1, Seat A School Board member Laurie Beaulieu, who was elected to office in November 2011, on her first run, has resigned effective Jan. 30, 2013, with 11 months of her tenure remaining.

Reached by phone on Wednesday, Beaulieu said she took this step with much regret, in order to help manage the illness of one of her three daughters. This necessitates long trips to Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital, leaving her unable to attend school board meetings or carry out committee work.

“I don’t think it would have been fair to the constituents of Ward 1, the teachers and our students if I were to have taken a leave of absence or simply not showed up for meetings,” she said in a letter to her constituents.

In her 2011 election campaign, Beaulieu said she decided to run for School Board to help make a positive change in the city’s education, including putting walls up in East Rochester.

“I am extremely proud of the progress made in this direction. It is very important for the students and the teachers,” said Beaulieu on Wednesday.

Last month, School Supt. Michael Hopkins discussed with City Councilors a proposal to end the “open concept” design at East Rochester School, by adding walls — part of a $10 million capital improvement project at ERS.

“I am also extremely happy that the School Board is helping the Advanced Elementary Band. It is a hugely important part of schooling, and in tough times, fundraising falls short,” she said.

“I have learned a lot and I was really enjoying it,” said Beaulieu. “But for my daughter’s diagnosis, I would have wanted to run again.”

In her letter (published in this newspaper) Beaulieu thanked the constituents of Ward 1 for their votes and also each school board member.

“I truly believe in all the teachers here in Rochester and I will always try to do what I can for all the students,” she said, adding that she will still be a part of ERS PTA and help in every way she can.

When she was elected to her seat, Beaulieu received 396 votes, while her opponent, Fred Leonard, received 298 votes.

Chair of the School Board Bob Watson said, “She was an excellent board member who brought a different perspective, by having three kids in the school system. I hate to see her go. Speaking for the board, we regret she had to resign, but understand, and wish her family the best. Perhaps in the future she can run again.”

City Clerk Kelly Walters said that once she receives official word of Beaulieu’s resignation from the School Board, the item will be placed on the City Council’s agenda — possibly for next week’s special meeting. At that point the City Council will call for statements of intent from Ward 1 residents who would like to fill out the remaining 11 months of Beaulieu’s term.

At a following meeting, councilors will vote on her replacement, and due to a minor City Charter change approved in 2012, it will be an open vote and not a secret ballot.

When she was elected to her seat in 2011, Beaulieu received 396 votes, while her opponent, Fred Leonard, received 298 votes.

Leonard said that he would certainly be interested in the position, and will likely submit a letter of intent.

“I state my points openly and stand on my principles. In reality, the political climate in this city will not allow me to be considered,” he said.